Structured Cabling Chassis

ABSTRACT

Structured cabling solutions may include techniques and systems usable to route, organize, and otherwise manager wires, optical fibers, and other cables. Structured cabling solutions may include one or more chassis coupled to and movable relative to a frame to provide access to signal connectors on the chassis. Structured cabling solutions may also include labeling schemes that identify patch connectors that correspond to outlets in a structured cabling installation.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/941,610 (TL1-0089USP1), filed Jun. 1, 2007, which is incorporatedherein by reference. This application is also related toconcurrently-filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (AttorneyDocket No. TL1-0089US) entitled “Structured Cabling Solutions,” and U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. TL1-0091US)entitled “Intuitive Labeling Schemes for Structured Cabling Solutions,”both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Most new homes today are wired for electricity, telephone, and cabletelevision. Homebuyers are also asking that their homes be wired forcomputer networks, media systems, speaker systems, intercoms, voice overinternet protocol (VOIP), alarm systems, and a host of other data,voice, and other media systems. New home builders often are not familiarwith all of the equipment and wiring that may be necessary for thesystems desired by their customers.

Accordingly, the home builders may contract with one or moresubcontractors to install each of the systems desired by the homebuyer.In that case, unless the subcontractor coordinates with the home builderand any other subcontractors, the wiring and equipment installed tosupport one system may be insufficient to support another system, may beduplicative, and/or may be incompatible with other systems installed inthe home. Even if the systems installed in the home are functionallycompatible with one another, the systems may not be as easily integratedwith one another as if they had been installed as part of acomprehensive system. For example, different styles or brands ofequipment may be used, or the equipment may be installed at differentlocations in the home.

Another problem with existing data and telecommunication systeminstallations is that, once installed, it may not be readily apparent tothe homebuyer and/or to service provider technicians how to use thesystems. This difficulty in understanding how the system is organizedmay result in incorrect equipment hookups, wasted time, and frustrationon the part of the homebuyer and technicians.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of structuredcabling solutions, which are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determiningthe scope of the claimed subject matter. Generally, structured cablingsolutions refer to techniques and systems usable to route, organize, andotherwise manage wires, optical fibers, and other cables.

In one aspect, a system may comprise multiple chassis coupled to aframe. The chassis each may include one or more signal connectors havinga patch side and a terminal side. The chassis may be configured to allowuser access to the terminal side of the signal connectors withoutdisconnecting a patch cable coupled between the patch side of a signalconnector of one chassis and the patch side of a signal connector of asecond chassis.

In another aspect, a structured cabling system may include at leastthree zones of signal carrier connectors, each zone having a differentlevel of accessibility.

In another aspect, a structured cabling frame may include multiplesignal connectors, and may define multiple predefined patch cablepathways. The predefined patch cable pathways may consist ofsubstantially vertical pathways and substantially horizontal pathways.

In another aspect, a telecommunications chassis may include first andsecond substantially planar side members and a central spine. Thecentral spine may be interposed between, and pivotably coupled to, thefirst and second side members.

In another aspect, a telecommunications apparatus may include a frame,with one or more chassis movably coupled to the frame. One or moresignal connectors may be coupled to each chassis, with a patchconnection thereof disposed on the front side of the chassis and aterminal connection on the back side of the chassis. The chassis may bemovable relative to the frame between a first position in which theterminal connections on the back side of the chassis are disposedbetween the chassis and the frame and are inaccessible to a user, and asecond position in which the terminal connections are accessible to auser.

In another aspect, a telecommunications chassis may include asubstantially planar body having dimensions of at least about 13 and atmost about 15 inches wide, and at least about 4 and at most about 7inches high.

In another aspect, a telecommunications module may include a mountingplate having dimensions of at least about 4.5 and at most about 6 incheswide, and at least about 1 inch and at most about 2 inches tall.

In another aspect, a system may include an outlet and atelecommunications module. The outlet may include an outlet identifierand at least one signal connector. The signal connector may have asignal connector identifier. The telecommunications module may includeat least one signal connector communicatively coupled to the signalconnector of the outlet. The signal connector of the telecommunicationsmodule may be labeled with the outlet identifier and signal connectoridentifier of the signal connector to which it is communicativelycoupled.

In still another aspect, an outlet may include a wall plate having aplurality of cutouts. At least one signal connector may be removablydisposed in one of the cutouts, and may have a signal connectoridentifier. An insert may be removably disposed in another of thecutouts, the insert comprising an outlet identifier.

In yet another aspect, a telecommunications module may include a modulebody, at least one signal connector coupled to the module body, and alabel associated with the signal connector of the module body. The labelmay designate an outlet and a receptacle within the outlet, to which thesignal connector of the module body is configured to be communicativelycoupled.

While described individually, the foregoing aspects are not mutuallyexclusive and any number of the aspects may be present in a givenimplementation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structure with an illustrativestructured cabling installation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative structured cabling panelaccording to one implementation, with a number of illustrative chassismounted therein.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the structured cabling panel of FIG. 2 inmore detail.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative chassis usable instructured cabling installations.

FIG. 5A is a top view of the chassis of FIG. 4 in a first, planarposition.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the chassis of FIG. 4 in a second position,with a left side member pivoted by about ninety degrees.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another illustrative chassis usable instructured cabling installations.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing additional details of an illustrativechassis usable in structured cabling installations.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an illustrative module usable in structuredcabling installations.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structured cablinginstallation, in which different zones of an installation have differentlevels of accessibility.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing illustrative labelingschemes for modules providing connections to incoming services fromservice providers.

FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic diagrams showing an illustrative labelingscheme for outlets.

FIGS. 12A-12D are schematic diagrams showing an illustrative labelingscheme for modules providing patch connections to one or more outlets inthe structured cabling installation.

FIGS. 13A-13D are schematic diagrams showing another illustrativelabeling scheme for modules providing patch connections to one or moreoutlets in the structured cabling installation.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing one illustrative application ofthe labeling scheme of FIGS. 10A, 11A, and 12A-12D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

As discussed above, there is an increasing demand for homes and officeswired for a variety of different data-, communication-, andpower-related systems. Often these systems are installed at differenttimes and/or by different contractors, so the wiring for one of thesesystems may be insufficient to support other systems. Also, the systemsmay not be linked to one another or even compatible with one another dueto incompatible parts, different locations of the wiring terminations,or the like. Still further, it may not be readily apparent to thehomebuyer and/or to service provider technicians how to use the systemsindependently or together.

This disclosure relates to comprehensive structured cabling solutionscapable of flexibly supporting multiple different systems throughout ahome. Generally, the structured cabling solutions provide intuitivemethods of distributing, routing, organizing, and otherwise managingwires, optical fibers, and/or other cables of the structured cablingsolution. Structured cabling solutions are described herein in thecontext of residential installations, but are more broadly applicable toany residential, business, industrial, or other installation. Also,while this description describes structured cabling solutions within astructure, structured cabling solutions may extend to multiple structureinstallations, such as housing developments, office parks, apartmentcomplexes, or the like.

Illustrative Structured Cabling Installation

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a home 100 with an illustrativestructured cabling installation capable of flexibly supporting multipledifferent systems throughout the home 100. The structured cablinginstallation generally includes a media gateway 102 and a number ofoutlets 104 a-104 e (collectively referred to as outlets 104) locatedthroughout the home 100 and coupled to the media gateway 102 by one ormore signal carriers. The outlets 104 include receptacles, into which avariety of different data, voice, and/or media equipment may be plugged.

In the implementation described herein the signal carriers comprisetwisted pair copper wire, such as category 5 (Cat 5) cable. In otherimplementations, the signal carriers may additionally or alternativelycomprise other signal carriers, such as, for example, optical fibers,other copper wires (e.g., Cat 1, Cat 2, Cat 3, Cat 4, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat6a, Cat 7, etc.), or the like.

One or more outside lines (e.g., from one or more service providers) orother communication equipment (e.g., wireless transmission equipment)may also terminate at the media gateway 102 or at a separate serviceprovider box 106 located outside the home 100 or at another locationaccessible by service provider technicians. Some examples of outsidelines include cable television lines, telephone service lines, broadbandInternet service lines, dedicated network pipelines, and the like. Someexamples of other communication equipment include antennas, satellitedishes, receivers, transmitters, and the like.

The media gateway 102 serves as a junction where some or all of theoutlets, outside lines, and/or any other transmission equipment may becross-connected as desired to support various systems. Thus, the mediagateway 102 allows any of the various outlets, outside lines, and othercommunication equipment terminated at the media gateway 102 to be easilyconnected or patched to one or more other outlets, outside lines, orcommunication equipment terminated at the media gateway 102.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outlets 104 are installed in a number of roomsA-E throughout the house 100. While five rooms are shown, structuredcabling solutions may be designed for structures having any number andsize of rooms. Additionally, any number of outlets may be provided ineach room. In the illustrated implementation, room A has an outlet 104 awith receptacles, into which are plugged a personal computer 108 and amedia server 110. Room B has an outlet 104 b with a receptacle, intowhich is plugged an electronic display 112, such as a computer monitoror electronic picture frame. Room C has a telephone 114 plugged into areceptacle of outlet 104 c, and Room D has a television 116 and a stereosystem 118 plugged into receptacles of outlet 104 d. As mentioned above,each of the outlets 104 a-104 d is communicatively coupled to the mediagateway 102. An alarm system 120 is plugged into a receptacle in outlet104 e in room E, and may include one or more sensors or components (notshown) at other locations throughout the house. The alarm system 120 iscommunicatively coupled to the media gateway 102. Also communicativelycoupled to the media gateway 102 are one or more service provider lines122 (e.g., a telephone service line 122 a, a cable television serviceline 122 b, etc.) or other outside lines (e.g., wide area networkcables, broadband Internet cables, etc.), an antenna 124, and asatellite dish 126.

From the media gateway 102, each receptacle in the outlets 104 may beselectively connected to one of the service provider lines 122, theantenna 124, the satellite dish 126, or any other available source orrecipient of media content. Additionally or alternatively, eachreceptacle may be connected to any other receptacle(s) in the structuredcabling installation. Generally, these connections are made by patchingone receptacle or service to another. Additional details of how thepatch connections may be made are described in the following sections.

Illustrative Structured Cabling Panel (SCP)

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the media gateway 102 according to oneimplementation. In this implementation, the media gateway includes aframe 200 with a number of chassis 202 coupled thereto. While the frame200 is shown in this implementation as having substantially planar wallsdefining an enclosure, in other implementations, the frame may have anynumber of one or more walls. In one alternatively implementation, thetop and bottom walls of the panel may be omitted, such that the panelhas three walls, a back wall and two sidewalls. In another alternative,instead of walls, the frame may comprise a substantially open framework.

The chassis 202 may have a variety of different telecommunicationsmodules 204 having components, such as signal connectors 206 (e.g., RJ45connectors, coaxial connectors, optical fiber connectors, and the like),switches, amplifiers, splitters, combiners, power receptacles, powersupplies, cover plates, or any other component suited for a particularstructured cabling installation. Also, the number, type, and location ofthe chassis on the panel 200 may vary depending on the size and natureof a particular structured cabling installation.

In the case shown in FIG. 2, the chassis 202 include signal connectors206 including a patch connection side and a terminal or terminationside. The signal connectors 206 are mounted to the chassis such that thepatch connection side is on one side of the chassis (the visible frontside shown in FIG. 2) and the terminal side is oriented toward the otherside of the chassis (the non-visible back side of the chassis in FIG.2). Each receptacle in the outlets 104 is connected to the terminal sideof a signal connector 206 in the media gateway 102. One or more outsidelines and/or other communications equipment (e.g., cable televisionline, phone line, antenna, satellite dish, etc.) may also be connectedto the terminal side of one or more signal connectors 206 in the mediagateway 102. The signal connectors 206 in the gateway corresponding tooutlet receptacles may then be patched to one another, the outsidelines, and/or other communications equipment using patch cables 208,which are routed and held in place by cable guides 210 and/or cableretention straps 212. Anchor points, such as apertures, lances (i.e.,punched-out bridge or loop formed in the panel 200), knockouts, slots,grooves, or the like, may be provided to secure the cable guides 210,cable retention straps 212, or other cable routing hardware to the panel200. The media gateway 102 may, but need not, include an access door 214including a latch 216 and/or a lock 218.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the media gateway 102 shown in FIG. 2,illustrating several examples of how patch cables 208 may be installedto interconnect outlet receptacles to one another, the outside lines,and/or other communications equipment. As shown in FIG. 3, outsidetelephone service line 122 a is terminated to the terminal side ofsignal connector 206 a, and the receptacle into which the telephone 114plugged is terminated to the terminal side of signal connector 206 b.Telephone service can be provided to the telephone 114 by plugging oneend of a patch cable 208 a into the patch side of the signal connector206 a and the other end of the patch cable 208 a into the patch side ofsignal connector 206 b.

As also shown in FIG. 3, television 116 is provided with satelliteservice from satellite dish 126 and cable service from outside cabletelevision service line 122 b. Specifically, satellite dish 126 isterminated to a terminal side of signal connector 206 c. Outside cabletelevision service line 122 b is terminated to the terminal side ofsignal connector 206 e. First and second inputs of television 116 areplugged into receptacles that are terminated to RF signal connectors 206d and 206 f, respectively. Satellite television service is provided tothe first input of television 116 by connecting a patch cable 208 bbetween the patch side of signal connectors 206 c (corresponding tooutside cable television service 122 b) and 204 d (corresponding toinput 1 of television 116). Cable television service is provided to thesecond input of television 116 by connecting a patch cable 208 c betweenthe patch side of signal connectors 206 e (corresponding to outsidecable television service 122 b) and 204 f (corresponding to input 2 oftelevision 116).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the patch side of the signal connectors 206is readily accessible from the front of the media gateway 102. However,the chassis 202 are configured such that the terminal side of the signalconnectors 206 is also accessible without disconnecting or interferingwith the patch cables 208. In various implementations, thisaccessibility may be facilitated by the chassis 202 being pivotable atleast in part relative to the frame 200. For example, the chassis 202may be pivotable between a first position in which the terminal side ofthe signal connectors 206 is enclosed within the frame 200 and isinaccessible, and a second position in which the terminal side of thesignal connectors 206 is accessible. This and several other illustrativechassis configurations that allow for unobstructed access to theterminal side of the signal connectors are described in the followingsection entitled “Illustrative Structured Cabling Chassis.”

Generally, the patch cables 208 are routed between patch connectionsalong one or more predefined patch cable pathways P. In the illustratedimplementation, the predefined patch cable pathways P are defined by thecable guides 210 (e.g., plastic or metal cable guides) and the cableretention straps 212 (e.g., rubber or Velcro® straps). However, in otherimplementations, patch cable pathways may be additionally oralternatively defined by other cable management features, such astroughs, channels, clips, clamps, or any other suitable cable managementstructure.

In some implementations, such as the one shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, thepredefined patch cable pathways P consist of substantially verticalpathways and substantially horizontal pathways. By routing patch cablesin such substantially vertical and substantially horizontal pathways, apatch cable routing pathway between any two signal connectors 206remains substantially constant length, regardless of position of thechassis 202 relative to the frame 200 other chassis 202. In addition,routing patch cables in substantially horizontal and/or vertical patchcable pathways routes the patch cables in a way that does not obstructmovement of the chassis. However, in other implementations, patch cablesmay additionally or alternatively be routed in non-horizontal andnon-vertical patch cable pathways.

Illustrative Structured Cabling Chassis

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one of the chassis 202 of FIG. 2 inmore detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the chassis 202 generally comprisesfirst and second substantially planar side members 400 a and 400 b, witha central spine 402 interposed between them. The spine 402 is fixedlycoupled to the frame 200 via a standoff 404. The first and second sidemembers 400 a and 400 b are pivotably coupled to the spine 402 viahinges 406 a and 406 b, respectively.

Modules 204, each having one or more signal connectors 206, are coupledto the chassis 202, along with cable guides 210 and cable retentionstraps 212. While the modules 204 are shown in this implementationincluding RJ45 signal connectors 206, in other implementations, modulesmay include other types of signal connectors (e.g., RF signalconnectors, telephone connectors, terminal posts, etc.), switches,amplifiers, splitters, combiners, power receptacles, power supplies,cover plates, or any other component suited for a particular structuredcabling installation.

In FIG. 4, the frame 200 is shown as having a back 200 a and two sides200 b and 200 c. Since there is no top or bottom to this frame 200, themedia gateway 102 is readily expandable by simply adding more chassisabove or below existing chassis. The substantially planar side members400 a and 400 b of the chassis 202 are securable to the frame sides 200b and 200 c, respectively, by latch mechanisms 408 a and 408 b.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the pivotability of the chassis 202. Asdiscussed above, the spine 402 is fixedly coupled to the frame 200 viastandoff 404, while the side members 400 a and 400 b are pivotablycoupled to the spine 402. Thus, the first and second side members 400 aand 400 b are each pivotable relative to the frame 200 between a firstposition (shown in FIG. 5A), in which the terminal side of the signalconnectors 206 is enclosed within the frame 200 and is inaccessible, anda second position (shown in FIG. 5B), in which the terminal side of thesignal connectors 206 is accessible. When engaged, the latch mechanisms408 a and 408 b secure the side members 400 a and 400 b of the chassisin the first position. In this implementation, both of the latchmechanisms 408 a and 408 b are shown as being actuatable by ascrewdriver or by hand (e.g., by twisting a knurled knob). However, inother implementations, one or both of the latch mechanisms may require akey or some other specialized tool for actuation.

During use, patch cables 208 may be routed vertically along the spine402. The width of the spine 402 is sufficient to accommodate the patchcables 208 so that the patch cables do not interfere with pivotingmotion of the side members 400 a and 400 b of the chassis 202. Thus, thespine 402 may at least partially define a patch cable pathway P. Whilethe chassis 202 in this implementation have two centrally located hingesspaced apart, in other implementations, chassis may have only a singlehinge located centrally, along a top, bottom, or side of the chassis. Inother implementations, the chassis may additionally or alternatively beslidable, or otherwise movable relative to the frame. One example ofanother movable implementation includes a door that rotates downrevealing rear access via a horizontally oriented hinge. In still otherimplementations, the chassis may be fixedly mounted to the frame.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating another illustrative chassis 600usable with a media gateway 102. The chassis 600 is similar in manyrespects to the chassis 202 shown in FIG. 4. However, one substantiallyplanar side member 602 a (left side in FIG. 6) has a hub or switch(and/or other signal generating or routing devices) 604 coupled to aback side thereof by a bracket 606. The switch 604 includes a number ofports 608 usable to interconnect components (e.g., components of a localarea network). The other substantially planar side member 602 b (rightside in FIG. 6) has two signal carrier modules 204 mounted thereto. Ofcourse, in other implementations, chassis may have any number ofmodules, switches, connectors, and/or other hardware mounted thereto.

In the media gateway 102 shown in FIG. 2, each chassis 202 has apredetermined form factor or a multiple of the predetermined formfactor. Each chassis 202 comprises one or more modules 204, each module204 comprising a second predetermined form factor that is smaller thanthe first form factor or a multiple of the second predetermined formfactor. This uniformity of form factors means that any type of module204 can be installed in any chassis 202, and any chassis 202 can beinstalled at any location in the frame 200, making the media gateway 102extremely flexible.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the chassis 202 of FIG. 4, without any modulesor cable management structures mounted thereto. The chassis 202 may bemade any suitable size for a given application. Generally, however, thechassis will be at most about 24 inches (61 centimeters) wide so as tofit between studs in a standard stick built structure with 24 inch studspacing. Alternatively, in structures with 16 inch stud spacing, thechassis may be at most about 16 inches (41 centimeters) wide. In someillustrative implementations, the chassis 202 have overall dimensions ofat least about 13 inches (33 centimeters) and at most about 15 inches(38 centimeters) wide, and at least about 4 inches (10 centimeters) andat most about 7 inches (18 centimeters) high. In one implementation, thechassis has overall dimensions of about 14 inches (35.5 centimeters)wide and about 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) high. In still otheralternatives, the frame, panel, and/or chassis may be configured to bemounted external to a wall (rather than recessed between studs), to arack, or to some other support structure directly or via one or moremounting brackets. In such alternatives, the frame, panel, and chassismay be made in any suitable size and is not limited by stud spacing.

As illustrated, each of the first and second planar side members 400 aand 400 b includes a pair of cutouts 700 configured to receive a varietyof different modules. The cutouts 700 also may be of any suitable size,limited only by the size of the chassis which they are cut in. In someillustrative implementations, the cutouts 700 are at least about 4.5inches (11.5 centimeters) and at most about 6 inches (15 centimeters)wide, and at least about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) and at most about 2inches (5 centimeters) tall. In one implementation, the cutouts 700 areabout 5.3 inches (13.5 centimeters), and about 1.7 inches (4.3centimeters) tall.

FIG. 8 illustrates one illustrative module 204 that may be configured tofit in cutouts of a chassis. Generally, modules may hold any sort ofcomponents desired for a given structured cabling installation, such as,for example, signal connectors (e.g., RF signal connectors, telephoneconnectors, terminal posts, etc.), switches, amplifiers, splitters,combiners, power receptacles, power supplies, cover plates. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 8, the module 204 includes eight RJ-45signal connectors. In some implementations, the modules 204 may includea generally rectangular mounting plate 804 having a pair of mountingtabs 802, the mounting tabs 802 being disposed proximate to diagonallyopposite corners of the mounting plate 800. This location of themounting tabs 802 provides a stable mounting configuration with minimalnumber of fasteners. However, in other implementations, any number andlocation of mounting tabs, holes, or other mounting features may be usedto secure modules to a chassis. The modules may be made any suitablesize, limited only by the cutouts in the chassis in which they are to beinstalled. In some implementations, modules may have dimensions of atleast about 4.5 inches (11.5 centimeters) and at most about 6 inches (15centimeters) wide, and at least about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) and atmost about 2 inches (5 centimeters) tall. In one implementation, themodules 204 are about 5.3 inches (13.5 centimeters), and about 1.7inches (4.3 centimeters) tall.

The sizes of the chassis 202 and module 204 of FIGS. 7 and 8 areexamples of the first and second form factors, respectively. Asdiscussed above, multiples of each of these form factors are alsopossible. For example, each chassis, cutout, and/or module may be afactor of two, three, four, or more times the size of those shown in thevertical and/or horizontal directions.

Illustrative Zones of Accessibility

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating various zones of accessiblywithin a media gateway 102. Generally, media gateways may have variousdifferent regions or zones that are typically accessed by differentindividuals at different times. For example, some zones may be readilyaccessed by a homeowner or other users of the media gateway to patchbetween various signal connectors 206. Other zones may be accessedduring installation and maintenance of the frame 200 (e.g., terminationsof signal carriers between outlets 104 and the terminal side of signalconnectors). Still other zones may be accessed during hook-up of newservices (e.g., terminations of outside service cables to the terminalside of signal connectors). The media gateway 102 may provide theability to restrict access to one or more of these or other zones. Inaddition, the media gateway may provide varying degrees of accessibilityfor the zones. For example, some zones may be freely accessible, othersmay require manipulation of a latch, door, or other access mechanism(e.g., configured for actuation by hand or by a publicly availabletool), and still other zones may require use of a key, security device,or other private tool for access.

In the example of FIG. 9, the media gateway 102 has three zones ofaccessibility, while in other implementations any number of one or morezones may be provided. A first zone (Zone 1) includes the patch side ofsignal connectors 206 and in this case is defined by the front of thechassis 202. Zone 1 is designed to be accessed by a user of the mediagateway 102 will little or no effort, to install and/or change patchcable connections between signal connectors 206 of the media gateway102. If the media gateway 102 has an access door 214, access to Zone 1may be somewhat limited by the access door 214. If no access door isprovided, Zone 1 is always open and accessible.

A second zone (Zone 2) includes the terminal side of signal connectorscommunicatively coupled to outlets 104 of the structured cablinginstallation, communication equipment (e.g., antennas, satellite dishes,etc.), or the like. Zone 2 generally only is accessed duringinstallation or modification of the structured cabling installation.However, there may be instances in which the user desires to access thisportion (e.g., to troubleshoot the system or to do a home installationof some additional system). Thus, Zone 2 is not as easily accessible asZone 1. In the illustrated example, Zone 2 may be accessed by actuatinga first latching mechanism 900 comprising a latching mechanism. Thelatching mechanism may be actuatable by hand (e.g., a knurled knob thatis rotatable by hand, a slam latch, or the like) or may require apublicly available tool, such as a screw driver, Allen wrench, or thelike.

A third zone (Zone 3) includes the terminal side of signal connectorscommunicatively coupled to outside services, such as telephone service122 a or cable television service 122 b. Zone 3 generally is accessed bytechnicians of one or more service providers. For example, serviceproviders may wish to limit customers' access to the connection of theoutside services to prevent tampering with the connections and/orunauthorized use of the outside services. In that case, Zone 3 may beeven less easily accessed than Zone 2. Thus, Zone 3 may only be accessedusing a private tool, such as a key, security code, or the like. In theillustrated example, access to Zone 3 is governed by a barrel lock 902,which is accessible using a barrel lock key. In other implementations,however, other types of locks or security features may be used to limitaccess. Also, while both the telephone service and cable televisionservice are shown as part of the same zone, in other implementations,each outside service may be provided in its own limited access zoneprotected by separate locking or other security features.

In the illustrated implementation, the front surface of the chassisdefines Zone 1, the back surface of the first side flap 400 a definesZone 2, and the back surface of the second side flap 400 b defines Zone3. However, in other implementations, these and other zones may bedefined by any areas having differing levels of accessibility. Forexample, a fourth zone could be defined by providing a cover 904 (shownin broken lines) over a portion of the front of the chassis 202,limiting access to some of the signal connectors 206 on the front of thechassis 202. If provided, the cover 904 may also be secured by a lock orother security feature. In another example, in a media gateway havingmultiple chassis, each chassis may define various different zones ofaccessibility.

Illustrative Labeling Scheme

The media gateway 102 and each of its components are designed to providesimple and organized components for installation as part of a structuredcabling solution. The simplicity and organization of a structuredcabling solution can be enhanced when combined with a labeling scheme,such as the illustrative labeling scheme described in this section.While the labeling scheme is described in the context of the mediagateway 102, the labeling scheme may be more broadly applicable to anycabling installation. Briefly, the labeling scheme provides an intuitiveway for a user to know which signal connector in the media gateway 102or other media panel corresponds to each outlet throughout theinstallation, and each receptacle within each outlet. The labelingscheme generally includes two parts, labels at each outlet andcorresponding labels at the media gateway.

On the outlet side, the labeling scheme generally comprises labelingeach outlet with an outlet identifier unique to the structured cablinginstallation, and labeling each receptacle within each outlet with areceptacle identifier unique to the outlet. Thus, each receptacle in thestructured cabling installation can be uniquely identified by the outletidentifier and the receptacle identifier. At the media gateway 102,signal connectors are labeled with the outlet identifier and thereceptacle identifier corresponding to the outlet receptacle to whichthe signal connector is communicatively coupled. In addition, incomingsources of media from outside cables or other sources may be labeledaccording to the type of media provided (e.g., voice, data, video,television, or the like).

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate one illustrative labeling scheme that may, butneed not necessarily, be used with the media gateway 102 and structuredcabling components described herein.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate two illustrative modules that could beinstalled in the media gateway 102 to terminate incoming sources ofmedia. In particular, FIG. 10A illustrates a demarcation module 1000 forterminating incoming services from one or more service providers, suchas a cable television provider, for example. The module 1000 has eightRJ-45 signal connectors 1002, each of which provides a connection to thesource of media content. The signal connectors 1002 include a media-typedesignator 1004 that allows the service provider or the end user todesignate what services are available at each RJ-45 port on thedemarcation module 1000. In this example, the media-type designator is acolor code, with blue and green, representing data (e.g., Internet) andvideo (e.g., IP video) services, respectively. While the color code isshown textually in the drawings, it should be understood that thesetextual labels represent the noted colors. That is, the ports orportions thereof may actually be the noted colors, or may include amarking in that color (e.g., a dot, bar, band, letter, number, symbol,etc.). Also, each signal connector 1002 is labeled with a portidentifier 1006, which in this implementation is shown as a numericalidentifier.

FIG. 10B illustrates a voice bridge module 1008 that may be installed inthe media gateway to terminate telephone service. The voice bridge 1008includes a number of signal connectors 1010, which are illustrated asRJ-45 ports in this implementation. The voice bridge 1008 also includesa media-type designator 1012 (in this case, orange is used to designatevoice) and a port identifier 1014. The incoming telephone service from aservice provider is terminated on the back side of the bridge onto a110-style punch down (not shown). Two of the wires from the incomingphone service are used for the primary telephone service, and arebridged onto the first five ports on the voice bridge 1008. The portidentifiers 1014 in this implementation identify both the phone line andthe port number of that phone line. That is, the fourth signal connectorport 1014 is designated by “1-4” which indicates that this signalconnector corresponds to the first phone line, and is the fourth portfor that phone line. Two more of the wires from the incoming phoneservice are used for a second telephone line and are terminated to the6^(th) and 7^(th) port of the voice bridge. Two more wires from theincoming phone service are used for a third telephone line and areterminated to the 8^(th) port of the voice bridge. Of course, theillustrated configuration is just one of many possible hookups, and anynumber of one or more incoming phone lines may be terminated to signalconnectors of voice bridges. Once the terminations have been made on thepunch down on the back of the voice bridge 1008, the telephone lines areavailable to be patched to any receptacle on any outlet in thestructured cabling installation.

While the media-type designators are shown as color codes and the portidentifiers are shown as numerical identifiers, in otherimplementations, the media-type designators and the port identifierscould be designated by any combination of colors, numbers, letters,symbols, or other suitable identifiers.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate several outlets 1100 a-1100 c labeled accordingto one illustrative labeling scheme. Each outlet comprises a wall plate1102 with two or more cutouts. The cutouts in the wall plates 1102 areconfigured to receive receptacles 1104 (such as RJ-45 receptacles or RFreceptacles). The number of receptacles in each outlet may vary.However, one of the cutouts in each wall plate 1102 is reserved for anoutlet identifier 1106. In this implementation, the outlet identifier1106 comprises one or more molded number inserts. In particular, theoutlet identifier 1106 comprises two molded number inserts, chosen fromthe numbers zero to nine. Thus, in the illustrated implementation,outlets can be numbered from 0-99. A second cutout in each outlet couldbe used to expand the number of outlets in each installation to 9999.While the inserts are described as being molded, in other instances, theinserts may be stamped, extruded, or made in any other known manner. Inaddition, instead of inserts, the outlet designators 1106 may bepainted, engraved, raised, etched, stamped, applied as adhesive labels,or marked in any other known manner.

In the illustrated implementation, the minimum number of cutouts in eachwall plate 1102 is two ports (to accommodate the numbering system) andthe maximum is six ports. However, in other implementations, wall plateshaving any number of one or more cutouts may be used if the outlets aremarked in a manner not requiring a cutout.

The individual receptacles within each outlet are labeled with areceptacle designator 1108. In the illustrated implementations, thereceptacle designators 1108 are color coded (blue, orange, green, andbrown). Thus, each outlet can be uniquely identified using the outletdesignator 1106 and the receptacle designator 1108 (e.g., receptacle4-blue would correspond to the blue receptacle in outlet number 4). Thissame combination of colors and numbers is matched in the labelingdesignations for signal connectors in the media gateway 102.

The colors of the receptacle designators 1108 may, but need not, alsodesignate the type of media available at the receptacle (e.g., bluereceptacles are generally used for data, green for video, orange forvoice, and brown for television). However, the type of media availableat a given receptacle is not limited by the color of the receptacle, anddepends only on a media source to which the receptacle is patched in themedia gateway 102. For example, in an office, a user may wish to patchall four of the RJ-45 receptacles in outlet 1100 a to data service fornetworking purposes.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate signal connector modules 1200 a-1200 d that maybe installed in the media gateway corresponding to the outletconfiguration shown in FIG. 11A, having four RJ-45 signal connectors andone RF connector. In this configuration, FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate threeRJ-45 signal connector modules 1200 a-1200 c that correspond to sixdifferent outlets in a hypothetical structured cabling installation.Each signal connector in modules 1200 a-1200 c includes an outletdesignator 1202 designating an outlet, and a receptacle designator 1204designating the receptacle within each outlet, to which the signalconnector corresponds. FIG. 12D illustrates an RF signal connectormodule 1200 d, having six RF signal connectors labeled with an outletidentifier 1202 corresponding to the outlet having the corresponding RFreceptacle. Because the outlets in this configuration only include oneRF receptacle, a receptacle identifier is not required to identify theRF receptacle within the outlet. However, if multiple RF receptacleswere provided within an outlet, each RF receptacle could also include asuitable color code or other receptacle identifier to identify each RFreceptacle within the outlet.

FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate signal connector modules 1300 a-1300 d that maybe installed in the media gateway corresponding to the outletconfiguration shown in FIG. 11B, having three RJ-45 signal connectorsand one RF connector. In this configuration, FIGS. 13A-13C illustratethree RJ-45 signal connector modules 1300 a-1300 c that correspond toeight different outlets in a hypothetical structured cablinginstallation. Each signal connector in modules 1300 a-1300 c includes anoutlet designator 1302 designating an outlet, and a receptacledesignator 1304 designating the receptacle within each outlet, to whichthe signal connector corresponds. FIG. 13D illustrates an RF signalconnector module 1300 d, having five RF signal connectors labeled withan outlet identifier 1302 corresponding to the outlet having thecorresponding RF receptacle. In this implementation, only five of theeight outlets (outlets 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7) in the hypotheticalinstallation include an RF receptacle. However, if multiple RFreceptacles were provided within an outlet, each RF receptacle couldalso include a suitable color code or other receptacle identifier toidentify each RF receptacle within the outlet.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing one specific example of hooking atelevision, such as television 116 in room D in FIG. 1, to cabletelevision service and satellite service using the labeling schemesdescribed with respect to FIGS. 10-13. In this example, cable televisionservice 122 b is terminated to demarcation module 1000 at a signalconnector labeled “Green-1” (i.e., a green/video media-type designatorand port identifier number 1). A patch cable 1400 is coupled betweenGreen-1 on the demarcation module 1000 and a port on RJ-45 signalconnector module 1200 c labeled “Blue-5” (corresponding to the bluereceptacle in outlet number 5, the outlet located in room D of thestructured cabling installation). A patch cable 1402 is then used toplug the television 116 (or a receiver or IP video set-top-box coupledto the television) into the blue receptacle of outlet 5 in room D.

A satellite dish, such as satellite dish 126, is communicatively coupledto demarcation module 1000 at a signal connector labeled “Green-2.” Apatch cable 1404 is coupled between Green-2 on the demarcation module1000 and a port on RJ-45 signal connector module 1200 c labeled“Green-5” (corresponding to the green receptacle in outlet number 5). Apatch cable 1406 is then used to plug the television 116 into the greenreceptacle of outlet 5.

While several illustrative implementations of structured cablinginstallations have been shown and described herein, it should beunderstood that the features of each of the installations may berearranged, omitted, modified, and/or combined with one another. By wayof example and not limitation, while the chassis are shown mounted in apartially enclosed panel, in other implementations, the chassis may beused with an open frame, one or more rails, or without any framewhatsoever. In another example, while the chassis are shown as beingpivotable about two hinges, in other implementations, the chassis may bepivotable about a single hinge, may be slidable, may be removable, ormay be otherwise movable relative to the frame. With respect to thelabeling scheme, any combination of numbers, letters, colors, symbols,or other designators may be used as outlet designators, receptacledesignators, and/or media-type designators. These and numerous othervariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The components of the media gateway, chassis, modules, cable managementcomponents, and other structured cabling components can be made of anymaterial having the desired combination of strength, cost, weight,electrical conductivity, and other material properties, and can be madeby conventional manufacturing and assembling processes. Several suitablematerials include, for example, metals, plastics, polymers, composites,and the like.

CONCLUSION

Although implementations have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific featuresor acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosedas illustrative forms of implementing the invention.

1. A telecommunications chassis comprising: a first substantially planarside member; a second substantially planar side member; and a centralspine interposed between, and pivotably coupled to, the first and secondside members.
 2. The telecommunications chassis of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the first and second planar side members includes a pair ofcutouts configured to receive modules.
 3. The telecommunications chassisof claim 2, wherein the cutouts are at least about 4.5 and at most about6 inches wide, and at least about 1 and at most about 2 inches tall. 4.The telecommunications chassis of claim 1, further comprising a modulecoupled to one of the first and second planar side members, the modulecomprising one or more signal connectors.
 5. The telecommunicationschassis of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second planarside members includes a latching mechanism.
 6. The telecommunicationschassis of claim 1, wherein the first planar side member includes alatch actuatable by hand or using a publicly available tool, and whereinthe second planar side member includes a latch actuatable using aprivate tool.
 7. The telecommunications chassis of claim 6, wherein thelatch on the first planar side member comprises a knurled knob, andwherein the latch on the second planar side member comprises a keyedlock.
 8. The telecommunications chassis of claim 1, further comprising astandoff configured to fixedly couple the spine of the chassis to aframe, such that the first and second planar side members are pivotablerelative to the frame.
 9. The telecommunications chassis of claim 1,wherein the chassis has overall dimensions of at least about 13 and atmost about 15 inches wide, and at least about 4 and at most about 7inches high.
 10. The telecommunications chassis of claim 1, wherein thechassis has overall dimensions of about 14 inches wide and about 5.5inches high.
 11. A telecommunications system comprising: a frame; and achassis couplable to the frame, the chassis including a substantiallyplanar side member having signal connectors mounted thereto, the signalconnectors having a patch side disposed on one side of the substantiallyplanar side member and a terminal side disposed on an opposite side ofthe substantially planar side member, wherein the substantially planarside member is pivotable relative to the frame.
 12. Thetelecommunications system of claim 11, wherein the substantially planarside member is pivotably coupled to the frame about a fixed pivot point.13. The telecommunications system of claim 11, wherein the substantiallyplanar side member is detachable from the frame, and is attachable tothe frame in at least two different positions.
 14. Thetelecommunications system of claim 11, further comprising a secondsubstantially planar side member and a central spine interposed between,and pivotably coupled to, the substantially planar side members.
 15. Thetelecommunications system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the firstand second planar side members includes a pair of cutouts configured toreceive modules.
 16. The telecommunications system of claim 11, furthercomprising a standoff fixedly coupling the chassis to the frame, suchthat the substantially planar side member is pivotable relative to theframe.
 17. The telecommunications system of claim 11, wherein thechassis has overall dimensions of at least about 12 and at most about 24inches wide, and at least about 4 and at most about 12 inches high. 18.The telecommunications system of claim 11, further comprising a modulecoupled to the substantially planer side member, the module having afirst type of signal connector, the chassis further comprising a secondmodule having a second type of signal connector different than the firsttype of signal connector, wherein the modules have a same form factor.19. A telecommunications chassis comprising: a substantially planar bodyhaving dimensions of at least about 12 and at most about 24 inches wide,and at least about 4 and at most about 12 inches high.
 20. Thetelecommunications chassis of claim 19, wherein the chassis has overalldimensions of at least about 13 and at most about 15 inches wide, and atleast about 4 and at most about 7 inches high.
 21. Thetelecommunications chassis of claim 19, wherein the chassis has overalldimensions of about 14 inches wide and about 5.5 inches high.
 22. Thetelecommunications chassis of claim 19, wherein the substantially planarbody comprises: a first substantially planar side member; a secondsubstantially planar side member; and a central spine interposedbetween, and pivotably coupled to, the first and second side members.23. The telecommunications chassis of claim 22, wherein at least one ofthe first and second planar side members includes a pair of cutoutsconfigured to receive modules.
 24. The telecommunications chassis ofclaim 23, wherein the cutouts are at least about 4.5 and at most about 6inches wide, and at least about 1 and at most about 2 inches tall. 25.The telecommunications chassis of claim 23, wherein the cutouts areabout 5.3 inches, and about 1.7 inches tall.
 26. The telecommunicationschassis of claim 22, wherein the first planar side member includes anaccess mechanism accessible by hand or using a publicly available tool,and wherein the second planar side member includes a latch actuatableusing a private tool.
 27. The telecommunications chassis of claim 19,further comprising a module coupled to one of the first and secondplanar side members, the module comprising one or more signalconnectors.
 28. The telecommunications chassis of claim 27, wherein themodule has overall dimensions of at least about 4.5 and at most about 6inches wide, and at least about 1 and at most about 2 inches tall.
 29. Atelecommunications module comprising: a mounting plate having dimensionsof at least about 4.5 and at most about 6 inches wide, and at leastabout 1 and at most about 2 inches tall; and one or more signalconnectors.
 30. The telecommunications module of claim 29, wherein themounting plate is generally rectangular and has a pair of mounting tabs,the mounting tabs being disposed proximate to diagonally oppositecorners of the mounting plate.
 31. A telecommunications chassiscomprising: a first module comprising a first type of signal connector;and a second module comprising a second type of signal connectordifferent than the first type of signal connector, wherein the first andsecond modules have a same form factor.
 32. The telecommunicationschassis of claim 31, wherein the first type of signal connectorcomprises an RJ-45 connector and the second type of signal connectorcomprises a radio frequency connector.